Donald Gene Anderson

Donald Gene Anderson, 98, of Gridley, IL passed away at 10:50 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Arc of El Paso, IL.
Cremation rites were accorded and a celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March21, 2025 at Christ Community Church of Gridley with a luncheon to follow at church. Masonic Services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday at Calvert-Johnson & Froelich Memorial Home, El Paso. Inurnment was in Gridley Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Christ Community Church, Gridley.
Calvert-Johnson & Froelich Memorial Home, El Paso is assisting the family with arrangements.
Don was born on September 3, 1926, in Champaign, IL the son of Claude A. and Edith E. Kline Anderson. He married Kay W. Woodruff on October 4, 1959, in Bloomington, IL. She survives along with three children Gail Lynn Smith of Utica, NY, David C. (Robi Dee) Anderson of Gig Harbor, WA, and Marsha Sheryl (Andy) Carr of Charleston, IL; and one grandson Justin Donald Anderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one infant brother.
Don’s family moved to Bloomington in 1934. He attended country schools before attending Bloomington High School and graduating in 1944. Durning WWII, he served in the US Army in Japan. He was with the 43rd engineer Battalion as a power shovel operator. He farmed with his Dad while working off the farm in construction and delivery of fuel oils. In 1968 he became the Standard Oil agent in Gridley, IL. Later he was employed by the village of Gridley from 1981 – 2001. He was a member of Christ Community Church, Gridley. In his early years he was active in rural youth, both local, state, and national A.F.B.F. Don was a member of El Paso Masonic Lodge #246, and a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies. He served 67 years on the crew of the American Passion Play. He was a member of Gridley American Legion post #218 and served on the McLean County Veteran’s Assistance Commission for 20 years. He had a great experience taking the Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2009. He also served on the Gridley Fire Department for 20 years. Don enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving husband, dad, and grandpa.